The northernmost region in New Zealand, Northland, is a place par excellence. The Northland Regional Council governs it. Whangarei is the only city; the following most significant towns have a few thousand people. The Northland Region covers the area from Cape Reinga to Te Hana at the northern end of the Northern Island.
The Northland’s east coast has long been a famous holiday place. Still, recently the west coast has turned into a tourist hotspot and travel paradise due to its magnificent natural phenomena: untouched forests in Warawara, Waipoua, Puketi, and Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary, Tane Mahuta (ancient, huge kauri tree), biggest concretions in the world (the Koutu Boulders and the unique Wairere Boulders), the Ninety Mile Beach and dunes of the North Hokianga.
How to reach Northland?
The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is Northland’s spectacular touring route, finishing and starting in Auckland. It takes you to both the coasts. The route showcases the region’s diversity. Getting here by self-drive, coach, or on a guided tour is a beautiful journey into the fantastic subtropical Northland.
Air New Zealand operates regular domestic flights to Kerikeri (Bay of Islands) and Whangarei. Charter operators allow transport tailored to your requirements; it’s good to be rich, you see.
Arrival to Northland using a boat, or perhaps a cruise or ship is remarkably spectacular – your coastal journey is bound to dazzle. Bush-covered hillsides, Stunning headlands, long stretches of beach welcome as you head for terra firma. If you are arriving by boat from overseas, there are a couple of official Ports of Entry into the legendary Northland.
Top Places to see in Northland
- Wairere Boulders (nature park): Wairere Boulders is an enormous basalt flow south of Horeke, Hokianga. It is unmissable.
- Koutu Boulders: This is the biggest concretions in the world in Koutu, Hokianga
- Mangungu Mission House (historic site): Mangunu is the site of the biggest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in Horeke, Hokianga. Again, unmissable.
- Sand dunes: You can find windblown sculptures on top of dunes across the harbor from Opononi, Hokianga
- Waitangi Mountain Bike Park, 33 Bayly Road, Waitangi. A world-class, purpose-built hill bike park with over 60km of purpose-built singletrack, suitable for experts to families. One of the draws of the region.
- Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary (undisturbed wildlife): Here, you can see 5 of the 12 most enormous kauri trees in Hokianga.
- Twin Coast Cycle Trail: One of the Pacific’s Great Rides. Explore 87km of New Zealand Backcountry on a scenic and family-friendly cycle trail through Northland’s fascinating history.
